Two-year Update

With every child's birthday comes the annual check up at the doctor. This week, we were blessed with another great report about our little girl.

Elliana was quick to show all of her charm and intelligence to Dr. Brokaw. She happily sang her "ABC song" and counted to ten, and proudly announced the toys she got for Christmas. Elliana showed her passion by refusing to take off her "pretty dress" for the exam, but still gave Dr. Brokaw a loving hug after realizing how nice he was.

Our little girl is still a tiny little thing, at least weight wise. 2 years old, and she weighs 24.25 pounds (17%) and measures in at 35.25" (84%). Already so tall and thin!

I still find it hard to believe that my baby is now two. She is this passionate, opinionated little girl, who now loves to dress up, have her nails painted and wear pantyhose while carrying a purse and wearing high heels. She listens so very well and typically asks for permission before trying something. Has a passion for books and loves to read the letters aloud as we read, and point to the words. On occasion, Elliana will "read" to us as she is so familiar with the books we read each day. Our little one loves to sing and at random moments will break out in song and occasionally dance.

How on earth did I get to be so incredibly blessed as to be her mom? I may never know that answer, but I will always cherish each and every moment.

Two years today

Last night, I found myself unable to sleep. I kept thinking about the past two years, as today is my sweet daughter's second birthday. I sat awake last night and watched the clock hands mark the time that Elliana officially entered our lives, two years ago to the minute. 1:12 am.

The time of her birth came and went. In my mind, I relived the first few minutes of her life. Images of her first smile, first steps and first words began flooding my memory. Before I knew it, the image of first birthday was ever present in my mind like a permanent still image. Images continued to flow...that gummy toothless grin, tooth by tooth has now become a toothy silly smile.

I stayed awake a while longer, practically in the dark, praising God for the abundance of blessings in my life. Elliana Rose Berndsen...you are very much a blessing in my life.

Happy 2nd Birthday Elliana! Enjoy the highlights of the past year and the many adventures we have enjoyed. I am already looking forward to the many adventures that lay ahead in your third year.

A December Picnic

It is not very often that the snow melts, the sun comes out and the
temperature rises to a pleasant degree. In Cincinnati. In December.
Such an occasion occurred today, the last day of 2010. We were
determined not to miss the opportunity.

We piled in the car, packed up some food and went to our favorite
park. We had no winter hats, no mittens, no coats. In fact, T.J. and I
had iced coffees rather than the warm java we usually have in
December. We all had smiles and excitement for our day together.

We had a picnic of salads and chicken sandwiches and ate outside as a
man flew a kite on the open lawn before us. We found small piles of
snow despite the 65 degrees outside and showed Elliana the joy of
making and throwing snowballs (primarily at me, but I loved it just
the same.) We watched Elliana jog a significant portion of the 1.6
mile trail we went on, and walk most of the rest of it. We laughed at
the echos we created while standing in a tunnel. We added more
memories to our fantastic year together known as 2010. All because of
a December picnic.

And a Merry Christmas was had by all...

Christmas has come and gone, and a very merry Christmas it was! We are blessed with an abundance of family to celebrate the joyous season. Our Christmas festivities began on Sunday, December 20th and proceeded all week until the 26th. Grandparents, cousins, nieces and nephews. Aunts, Uncles and great grandparents too. Our week was a constant reminder of the importance of family, fun and laughter.

It was a wonderfully busy week. New memories were created and possibly new traditions were discovered. A few of my favorite joys are listed below:

The joy of watching Elliana dress up as a princess and twirl in circles while she says "Ana (what she calls herself) princess! Ana pretty!"

The joy of watching Elliana start tearing off her clothing in anticipation of putting on her new "tree-bah bah dress" (Tinkerbell) and Princess Belle shoes.

The joy of watching Elliana marvel at her new presents and dance with excitement.

The joy of watching Elliana's excitement as she set out cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas Eve.

The joy of watching Elliana vaccuum alongside Mommy and getting so excited that her vaccuum was actually picking up things!

The joy of watching Elliana and her cousins ignore the toys around them and find fascination with a box instead.

I love my family and am grateful for the abundance of family this holiday season.

"More Christmas show, please!"

On Saturday, we took Elliana to the annual Christmas play at our church. The play is a modern day rendition of the story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Before the play, Elliana was happy to indulge in a few Christmas cookies with Grandpa Jim.

We took a quick family photo and then prepared for the festivities.

Of course, when Grandma and Grandpa's laps were open, Elliana chose to sit with them rather than sitting in her own seat. She climbed up on Grandpa's lap and prepared for the show.

Throughout the show, Elliana clapped, danced and sang along to the familiar songs. The star that lit up above the crowd captured her attention more than anything else and she eagerly pointed to it and commented on the beauty of it.

After the performance, Elliana clapped and smiled long after the play ended. Despite being up past bed time, Elliana continued to talk about the show with eagerness and happiness. And, has since requested "More Christmas show, please."